Car Makes – Page 794 – Automobiles Review

2013 Ford Taurus SHO at the race track [HD video]

Ford has released a nice video highlighting the 2013 Taurus SHO, which hits the race track. The clip was filmed at the Grattan Raceway aiming to show the customers the unique performance ability of the vehicle.

The Taurus SHO comes with optional performance package giving more driving pleasure and including includes a sport-tuned suspension, a high-performance braking system and a revised stability control system with a dedicated track mode.

“The beauty of the Taurus SHO Performance Pack is that it really is a track-capable vehicle, but still a daily driver. You can take your kids to school, drop them off … and head to the track and have a little fun and come back at the end of the day and pick them up and no one would ever know.”, said Ford Vehicle Integration Engineer Robert Kay.

2013 Ford Taurus is powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 370HP (272 kW) and 474Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending that power to an AWD system.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKU84tBRvdA

Source: Ford via Youtube

May 16, 2012

2013 BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible US – Price $44 145 and $48 845

BMW has announced the new 2013 1-Series (F20), recently and now the company is turning back to introduced the sports model of E82 (1-Series Coupe) and E88 (1-Series Convertible) – 135iS.

Both the new 135iS Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44 145 and $48 845 respectively, including $895 destination and handling.

The 135iS is powered by the famous TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (N55), which is slightly updated to produce 324HP (239 kW) and 429Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT).

A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.

The 135iS is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

The differential in the 135iS is also updated and optimized for running smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The exterior boasts gloss black accents, a lowered stance and exclusive 18” alloy wheels, while the interior comes with a pair of sport seats with blue contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals and unique badging.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

Source: BMW US

May 16, 2012

Toyota GT86 and Lexus LFA to compete in Nuerburgring 24 Hours

Toyota GT86, in fact four units of it and one of the Lexus LFA are going to compete in the Nuerburgring 24 Hours from 17th till 20th of May. It is a well known fact that the Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars.

Hence, it is the perfect time for the demonstration of the powers of those two exceptional models the Lexus LFA and the GT86. At the disposal of the brand for the racing will be Gazoo Racing team. It will field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class).

In the team of course are included technicians and drivers, which will take care for the unique racing vehicles and apply their skills and craftsmanship where needed. Furthermore, they will also gain information and experience which will serve as a means of feedback directly into the work developing future vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already achieved much success by winning the two shorter-distance races at the Nuerburgring. There the Lexus LFA won two times in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.

In addition to this, the Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Those tow sport cars will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models.

Source: Toyota

May 16, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 debuts with 662 horsepower

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever created with its 662 horsepower top track speeds of more than 200 mph. It will undoubtedly bring the muscle car philosophy into new heights.

This performance is possible due to its 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces. And we must say it again – it achieves the outstanding 662 horsepower (487 kW) at 631 lb.-ft. (855 nM) of torque. In fact, this is the highest-horsepower engine ever produced in the U.S.

The additional horsepower was achieved through thorough optimization of the powertrain. In details this Ford includes a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, an all-forged engine rotating assembly, updated camshaft profiles, upgraded head gaskets, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

However, the key to the 662 hp is the larger and more efficient supercharger. What it basically does is to help flow more air through the engine.

In addition to that the cooling system has been upgraded as well. It now features a high-capacity cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger.

Cooling fan capacity was also modified – now it has an increased and a higher-efficiency intercooler added to keep the air entering the engine as cool as possible. Combined with the efficient, high-capacity flow pump, these two measures control temperatures under extreme conditions.

Furthermore, the clutch has been transformed as well. With its increased torque and rpm capacity, it utilizes a dual-disc design. The diameter and clamp load have been increased and the clutch-facing material has been revised for additional resistance to burst and enhanced transfer of power.

Design improvements for this Ford vehicle feature all-new signature lighting with two LED bars in the front and rear, rocker panels in body-color, high-gloss black panel between the taillamps at the rear and a diffuser that surrounds a new quad-tip exhaust.

2013 Shelby GT500 rides on two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels: the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels coupled with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all configurations. These wheels are freshened with the dark finish and updated spoke designs and in addition to that are extremely lightweight.

Significant work has been also done in aerodynamics of the Shelby GT500. They include a new front splitter and black-painted upper and lower grille inserts. They expose the radiator drive which helps funnel air and cools the internals of the vehicle systems. The larger splitter helps create downforce when the car hits top speeds.

No driver will be less than satisfied when being behind the steering wheel of the new Shelby GT500. Its driving dynamics have been overhauled, it has new Brembo™ brakes with six-piston calipers in front and its wheels were also tuned.

Ford has thought about customers who want even more exceptional drive. The new Shelby is now being offered with the optional Performance Package. This feature is accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button and has several modes for selection. The Normal mode gives the driver a comfortable ride over road irregularities, while the Sport mode delivers improved response time on the track, and less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking.

Additionally, the Torsen® limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package. What it basically does is that it helps the rear suspension deliver torque and traction under the most demanding conditions on the track.

Of course, all who are willing can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out racetrack performance. The latter includes an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

A lot of innovations have been also included in this GT500 model. One of the key ones is the productivity screen. It offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to muscle car’s performance. The LCD can be found between the tachometer and speedometer.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 also can be found now in dealerships.

Source: Ford

May 16, 2012

Peugeot 408 Out in Russia

It was rather expected, but today, at a press conference, Peugeot launched the 408 Saloon on the Russian market. It will be made in Russia and sold under the price tag of 549,000 rubles which is roughly around 18,559 US dollars. The range will be moderately flexible with three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

The thing is, anything above the Access (the entry one) would be pretentious. As standard features, you get electronic brake force distribution, airbags for the front, central locking, heated door mirrors with power adjustment, an engine pan guard and ABS.

The whole power train range consists of 1.6 engines – one diesel and three petrol units. The pressure is on the diesel one as it is supposed to do 5 liters per 100 km on the mixed cycle and yet it has to develop 112 hp and 254 Nm at just 1750 rpm. The petrol ones range from 110 hp to 150 hp and have a figure of consumption at around 7.5 l per 100 km on average. A choice between a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission will be available.

As a well rounded saloon, the Peugeot 408 sounds like the perfect car for a reasonably large family in Russia. In fact, it’s big enough to pass as an executive vehicle. Why would they put an Allure trim otherwise?

Source: Peugeot

May 16, 2012

Lamborghini Gallardo Toro by DMC

DMC Design has announced their tuning package for Lamborghini Gallardo. The project is called Toro and features both styling and performance upgrades.

The exterior comes with complete body kit made of carbon fiber. It includes a new carbon fiber front lip spoiler streches the Gallardo, makes it’s look more aggressive and supports downforce on the front axle. New carbon fiber side panels as well as added carbon fiber side diffusers make the car wider, more stable on the road, and add a salient aura. In addition, DMC added a new carbon fiber rear spoiler wing on the top, and a bigger carbon fiber rear diffuser on the bottom, both supporting improved aerodynamics of the car.

The tuned sports car roll enormous 9.5J x 20” front wheels and 13J x 20” at the rear axle fitted with performance tires.

Speaking for performance, DMC boosted the mighty 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 to 580HP (427 kW) and 575Nm (424 lb-ft) of torque. Additionally, a sports exhaust system is available adding another 20HP (15 kW). With the upgrade, the top speed is 330 km/h (205 mph).

Source: DMC

May 15, 2012

Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype – 770HP

Porsche will actually release the 918 Spyder. The manufacturer has finished the first prototype.

The powertrain includes a 4.6 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) and two electric motors – a 109HP (80 kW) on the front axle and a 122HP (90 kW) electric motor on the rear axle. This means a combined power of 770HP (566 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). This performance comes at decent “price” – 3.0 litres per 100 km (94.1 mpg UK) with CO2 emission of 70 g/km. Furthermore, thanks to a 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the model can travel more than 25 km (15.5 miles) on electricity alone at speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph).

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.
The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 is out.

Source: Porsche

May 15, 2012

2013 BMW 3-Series Touring – Price £29 380

BMW has revealed pictures and details of the new 2013 3-Series Touring model. Initially, the manufacturer has launched only the saloon version of the new 3-Series – the F30, but Touring, Coupe and Convertible will hit the market in the next two years. The new M3 is only a rendering for now.

The front is practically the same as the saloon and the rear is photocopied from the new F11 (5-Series Touring).

Dimensions have been slightly increased over its predecessor that has allowed additional leg room and luggage space. The overall length measures 97mm longer while the wheelbase has also gained an extra 50mm. It helps the model achieve an extra 17mm of legroom and 35 liters of additional luggage space.

The engine range includes two diesel and a petrol power units. The entry level 320d is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. The powerful 330d has a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine with 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. The 328i comes with 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that develops 245HP (187kW) and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque.

The 330d accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The 2013 BMW 3-Series Touring is priced from £29 380 for the base 320d model.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price OTR
*BMW 328i Touring*	245	350	6.0	155*	41.5	159	£30,400
*BMW 320d Touring*	184	380	7.7	143	60.1 (61.4)	124 (122)	£29,380
*BMW 330d Touring*	258	560	5.6	155*	55.4	135	£34,700

*Electronically-limited. **Automatic transmission only.

Source: BMW

May 15, 2012

Legendary Jaguar C-Type wins Monaco Historique

jag_monaco_c-type_THUMB The legendary 1952 Jaguar C-Type won the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, Serie C for Pre-1953 Sports Prototypes. Behind the steering wheel was the driver Alex Buncombe, thank to him the prestigious FIA sanctioned race was won.

In particular, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is one of the most popular and broadly appreciated “historic” racings around the world. This is the 8th running of the FIA sanctioned event, and generally it occurs two weeks before the F1 Grand Prix.

However, more importantly, the actual race winning 1952 C-type has an interesting history. The first owner of the legend was Juan Manuel Fangio, who bought it directly from the Jaguar factory. The car then was carefully prepared by the team and mechanics of Jaguar, In order to be in perfect condition and to take part in the race.

The driver Alex Buncombe himself has even commented how super quick the C-Type was and in fact that in his opinion this was the best C-type in the world.

Another highlight is that this is also a debut for the Jaguar brand in this race. And the result as we see is a superb achievement.

The next event for Jaguar Heritage Racing is the legendary Mille Miglia in Italy. It will start on 16th of May (Thursday), so stay tuned!

Legendary Jaguar C-Type at Monaco Historique

Source: Jaguar

May 15, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 450h features 254kW Atkinson cycle hybrid drivetrain

2012 Lexus GS 450h is the most efficient GS ever created by the brand. It includes an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain which will contribute the model to become of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

Thank to its unique hybrid system, the Lexus’ efficient hybrid powerplant consumes just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100km. This means in fact that the new customers will save circa twenty percent from fuel in comparison to the outgoing model. At the same the CO2 emissions have been also reduced significantly to the number of 147g/km.

The performance of this Lexus hybrid vehicle is reassured by a combined power output of 254kW. Thank to it, the 450h can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

What is more here, compared to its predecessor, the GS 450h also offers greater space and onboard technology. This is mainly due to the redesigned chassis. There is also forty-five percent more boot space which now is increase from 320 to 465 litres.

Another interesting fact here is that the GS 450h is actually the first hybrid vehicle, which comes equipped with all-wheel steering. And in particular, it is the first one to include an Atkinson cycle engine driving the rear wheels, and the first Atkinson cycle engine to feature direct and port injection.

In terms of security and safety features, there are some innovations included, such as: an advanced Pre-Collision safety System (PCS), a Driver Fatigue Monitor camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). The latter now operates at all speeds down to 0km/h.

Additionally, the safety suite is enhanced by a Blind Spot Monitor, which now comes as a standard to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, and an expanded Head Up Display (HUD) unit. This unit shows the road speed, cruise control, gear position, turn-by turn navigation and tachometer.

GS 450h models will be offered in three trim levels: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury, which are expected to be launched in June this year.

2012 Lexus GS 450h Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type		2GR-FXE 3.5L V6
Capacity (cm³)		3.456
Cylinders/valves		V6/24
Engine configuration		Atkinson cycle, six cylinders, V-formation, 24-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinderand alloy cylinder block. Featuring direct and port injection
Bore x stroke (mm)		94.0 x 83.0
Compression ratio		13.0
Max. combined output		254kW
Max. engine output		215kW @ 6,000rpm
Max. engine torque		352Nm @ 4,500rpm
Hybrid battery	type	Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
	voltage	650V
Max. motor output		147kW
Max. motor torque		275Nm
Transmission
Type		Six-step E-CVT (Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddleshift
Steering
Turning diameter (m@body)		11.2, or 10.8 with rear steer
Luxury		Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
F Sport		Rack and pinion EPS with Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering
Sports Luxury		Rack and pinion EPS
Seating capacity
No of seats		5
Exterior dimensions (mm)
Overall length		4,850
Width		1,840
Height		1,455
Wheelbase		2,850
Interior dimensions (mm)
Front to rear couple distance		945
Front legroom		1,075
Rear legroom		935
Driven wheels
Type of drive		Rear-wheel drive
Wheels and tyres
Luxury		18 x 8J alloy (F/R) Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
F Sport		19 x 8J (F), 19 x 9J (R) alloy Bridgestone 235/40 R19 96Y (F) 265/35 R19 94Y (R)
Sports Luxury		18 x 8J (F/R) alloy Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
Brake type
		Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-forceDistribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Managementsystem (VDIM)
Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
F Sport		356 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear (Two-piece rotors front with four piston calipers)
Sports Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
Performance
0 – 100km/h (s)		5.9
Max. speed (km/h)		250 (limited)
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined		6.3
Urban		6.9
Highway		5.8
^* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style,vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle.
CO₂ emissions (g/km)
Combined		147

Source: Lexus

May 15, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris delivers exceptional blend of fuel economy and performance

2012 Toyota Yaris has achieved sales up 140 percent in April and 70 percent for the year. This means that the subcompact Toyota vehicle is one of the most frequent choices customers make, when they have in mind characteristics such as performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety.
The new Yaris is now being offered in two variants – with three- and five-door. Both are available with five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmissions.

More importantly, the vehicle is propelled by the efficient 106 hp (78 kW) four-cylinder engine which in addition has a Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Thank to this the car achieves 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual and 30 city/35 highway with the automatic transmission.

Another benefit of the Yaris is the safety it provides for its occupants. It has a reinforced cabin which integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the roof and doors.

Furthermore, the seating positions are equipped with height-adjustable head rests and three-point seatbelts. There is also a set of airbags included as a standard: driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags and first and second row side-curtain airbags.

In addition to all this as a standard, the brand has decided to include the Toyota’s Star Safety System on all its models. The latter system features: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Next, an advantage to be mentioned is the comfort of the car. Yaris’ cabin provides rear seating for three persons with headrests in all positions. In addition to this, the interior is driver orientated and includes easy-to-reach controls, high center-mounted instrument cluster for excellent on-road visibility, and an array of storage spaces and cup holders.

Further features as standard equipment are: air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defogger and intermittent wipers.

And if the customer wants to have an additional space for the luggage, Toyota has made the rear seatback foldable, so that the cargo capacity becomes from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback comes as a standard on LE and SE grades.

What we’ve almost forgotten is the remarkable exterior of the Yaris, which combines contemporary vision with crisp character. Here the grill is accented by sharp character lines that flow into the sleek hood and windshield.

Now the vehicle is even more aerodynamic, because the outer moldings on the windshield and door glass have been eliminated.

And if one is more of a sportier type of person, Toyota has thought about them too! If one enjoys a dynamic driving experience and seek this, then 2012 Toyota SE is made for them. This model comes with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic one, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, quicker-ratio steering and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices starting at $14,115.

Source: Toyota

May 15, 2012

Chevrolet Debuts SUV in Paris

The 2012 Paris Motor Show, which will be held well into the second half of this year in September, is to become the venue for a new Chevrolet. We are talking about a compact SUV which will be an obvious competitor to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Say hello to the Chevrolet Trax.

What the company promises with the five-seater Trax is high value, quality, refinement and looks at a lower-than-usual prices. For now we have this render which supposedly exhibits “a musular exterior design and a wide aesthetic stance”. We can surely see it’s chunky, but athletic?

Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe commented: “Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers require.”

The Trax will most probably hit the European markets sometime in the spring, next year. As much as 140 countries might get it.

Source: Chevrolet

May 14, 2012

Category: Car Makes